Nihon Kobudo Kyokai and the Ancestral Art of the Samurai

La Nihon Kobudo Kyokai (日本古武道協会), or Japan Kobudo Association, is an organization founded with the purpose of preserve and promote traditional Japanese martial arts, known as kobudo (古武道). These disciplines include ancient combat practices that have been passed down from generation to generation throughout centuries of Japanese history. Founded in 1979, the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai is one of the most important institutions in the preservation of these ancient arts and has the recognition and support of the Japanese government, as well as the backing of cultural and martial organizations internationally.

In this article, we will explore the mission of the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai, its disciplines, its events, and its role in preserving and transmitting traditional Japanese martial arts.

The term Kobudo refers to the "ancient martial arts" of Japan and encompasses a variety of disciplines that were developed before the Edo period (1603–1868), when many arts began to adapt to peace and lose their military focus. These arts include kenjutsu (sword techniques), jujutsu (hand-to-hand combat techniques), iaijutsu (drawing techniques), bojutsu (stick handling), among many others. Unlike modern arts or gendai buddō (such as kendō or judō), which were adapted for competition and physical training, kobudo retains the focus on effectiveness and the original martial tradition.

Kobudo is a fundamental part of Japan's cultural heritage, and its practice is considered a means of connecting current generations with the values, philosophies and skills that characterized samurai warriors and clans of bygone eras. These arts not only focus on combat, but also on mental discipline, ethics and the philosophy of bushido, or samurai code of honor, which teaches values ​​such as loyalty, perseverance, and respect for one's opponent and the art itself.

The primary mission of the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai is to ensure the preservation and transmission of traditional Japanese arts. As Japan modernized and modern martial arts became popular, kobudo began to fade away. The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai works to preserve these disciplines through its support of the koryu schools, or "old schools", which have maintained their original techniques and traditions over the centuries.

The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai not only seeks to preserve traditional fighting techniques, but also to promote the history and cultural knowledge surrounding these arts. To do so, it organizes exhibitions, seminars and international events where kobudo masters and students can share their knowledge and techniques with the public, helping more people understand and appreciate the cultural value of these practices.

Kobudo is not simply a series of combat techniques; it is also a mental and spiritual discipline. The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible practice, and encourages practitioners to develop both their physical skills and their character. The practice of these arts promotes self-awareness, respect and humility, values ​​essential to a well-rounded education.

The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai encompasses a wide variety of disciplines that include the use of weapons and hand-to-hand combat techniques. Some of the most prominent disciplines within the organization are:

1. kenjutsu: Japanese fencing techniques that focus on the use of the katana. It is the precursor of kendō and represents the quintessential samurai combat style.

2. jujutsu: Hand-to-hand combat techniques, including immobilizations, throws and leverage. Jūjutsu is the precursor to modern arts such as judo and aikido.

3. Iaijutsu: The art of quick drawing and cutting, in which the practitioner draws and attacks in a single movement. It is one of the most refined arts and requires great precision and control.

4. Bojutsu: The use of the bō, a long staff, which is used in both offensive and defensive techniques. This art is valued for its versatility and is practiced by many traditional schools.

5. Sojutsu: The art of the spear, or yari. This technique was widely used on the battlefield and requires great skill in distance management and weapon control.

6. Naginatajutsu: The handling of the naginata, a long pole weapon with a curved blade, which was especially popular among samurai warriors and women.

7. kyujutsu: The technique of bow and arrow, an art that represents the oldest origins of combat in Japan and is practiced in its traditional form.

8. Tantojutsu: The use of the tanto or dagger, which was used as a weapon of last resort by the samurai in close combat situations.

Each of these disciplines is practiced with a focus on authenticity and the preservation of traditional techniques and rituals, and represents an important part of training at schools affiliated with the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai.

One of the most important events organized by the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai is the Annual Kobudo Exhibition at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. At this event, masters and students from various schools of kobudo demonstrate their techniques to the public and other practitioners. It is an opportunity for the public to observe the skills of traditional arts experts and to better understand the depth and diversity of kobudo.

The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai organizes seminars and workshops in Japan and other countries to promote kobudo and help students from different regions improve their skills. These international events have helped to spread traditional Japanese arts and create a global network of practitioners committed to preserving kobudo.

The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai also publishes books, manuals and other educational resources on the history and techniques of traditional arts. These publications help to document and share the knowledge of the masters, ensuring that the principles and techniques of ancient disciplines are not lost over time.

La Nihon Kobudo Kyokai It has a rich variety of schools (ryuha) of classical martial arts covering disciplines such as kenjutsu, jujutsu, iaijutsu, sojutsu, among others. Below is a list of some of the most prominent schools affiliated with the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai:

• Asayama Ichiden-ryu (Kenjutsu) - This school, founded by Asayama Ichidensai Shigetatsu, combines kenjutsu and jujutsu techniques into an adaptable and efficient style. It is characterized by its focus on the use of leverage, strikes and projections to neutralize the opponent, seeking a complete strategy in both armed and unarmed combat.

• Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu (Kenjutsu) - Founded by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, this school is famous for its two-sword combat technique known as "niten" (two heavens). Its philosophy seeks fluidity and control of combat through the balance of body, mind and spirit, and emphasizes effective combat through the application of strategic principles.

• Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryu (Kenjutsu) - This classical fencing school, originating from the Kashima Shrine, teaches kenjutsu techniques focused on strength and precision. It is distinguished by its focus on the spiritual development of the practitioner and its connection to the Shinto tradition, teaching combat as a way to achieve balance and peace of mind.

• Kurama-ryu (Kenjutsu and others) - Kurama-ryu is a school that employs kenjutsu, jujutsu and other weapons in combat. Noted for its sword techniques and hand-to-hand fighting maneuvers, its training includes the use of tactics and strategies geared toward adapting to multiple combat situations and self-defense in traditional contexts.

• Maniwa Nen-ryu (Kenjutsu) - Founded in the 14th century, Maniwa Nen-ryu is one of the oldest kenjutsu schools in Japan. Its training focuses on the use of both the long and short sword, and on fighting techniques that prioritize economy of movement and efficiency. It is known for its kata Nukiuchi, a quick cut from the scabbard.

• Owari Kan-ryu (Sojutsu) - Owari Kan-ryu specializes in sojutsu, or the art of the spear, emphasizing both defense and offense. His style utilizes throws, fluid movements, and techniques to deflect attacks, taking advantage of the spear's length to keep the enemy at a distance. Training includes a combination of precision and speed in his attacks.

• Shingyoto-ryu (Kenjutsu) - This school, established in the 17th century, focuses on kenjutsu and other sword fighting styles, and is known for its focus on close combat. Shingyoto-ryu techniques are designed to quickly disarm the opponent, and the style is deeply influenced by Zen principles, seeking a calm mindset in combat.

• Shinmuso Hayashizaki-ryu (Iaijutsu) - This school of iaijutsu, focusing on the art of quick draw, was developed by Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu. The practice is based on the idea of ​​responding instantly to unexpected attacks through precise cuts, combining speed and precision to counter threats before they fully develop.

• Tendo-ryu (Naginatajutsu) - The Tendo-ryu school is famous for its use of the naginata, a polearm with a curved blade. Its techniques are primarily used to keep opponents at a distance and to manage combats against multiple adversaries. Tendo-ryu is popular among female samurai, who defended their homes in times of war with this versatile weapon.

• Yagyu Shingan-ryu (Taijutsu) - Yagyu Shingan-ryu is a school of taijutsu that focuses on hand-to-hand combat techniques, including jujutsu and control and submission methods. It was historically used by the guards of the Yagyu clan, and is noted for its focus on practical self-defense techniques, focusing on speed and control in unarmed combat.

• Yagyu Shinkage-ryu (Kenjutsu) - Founded by Yagyu Muneyoshi, Yagyu Shinkage-ryu is one of the most respected schools of kenjutsu, and was adopted by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Its emphasis is on timing and anticipation, using subtle cuts and movements to neutralize the opponent before he has a chance to attack.

• Yoshin-ryu (Jujutsu) - Yoshin-ryu, one of the earliest schools of jujutsu, is based on controlling the opponent through throws, levers, and immobilization techniques. Its focus is on using the attacker's strength against him and subduing him without the need for excessive force, and is noted for its methods of avoiding conflict through self-control and discipline.

• Toda-ha Buko-ryu (Naginatajutsu) - This school specializing in naginatajutsu was founded by Toda Seigen, a master of the naginata and short sword. Its techniques seek to attack and defend fluidly, using the naginata to control both the distance and the position of the opponent in combat.

• Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu (Kenjutsu and others) - Considered one of the oldest schools in Japan, this school teaches kenjutsu, sojutsu, bojutsu and other disciplines. Founded at the Katori Shrine, its training seeks a balance between martial skills and spiritual development, promoting a philosophical view of life and combat.

• Tatsumi-ryu (Heiho) - Tatsumi-ryu, which includes kenjutsu, iaijutsu, sojutsu, and naginatajutsu techniques, focuses on heiho, or strategy. This school teaches practitioners to adapt to each combat situation quickly and flexibly, training them in multiple weapons and stances to achieve a complete defense.

• Takenouchi-ryu (Jujutsu and Weapons) - Founded in the 16th century, Takenouchi-ryu is known as one of the first jujutsu schools, with a focus on hand-to-hand combat, armed jujutsu, and control techniques. Its techniques include the use of a variety of weapons, and are designed to deal with both unarmed and armed situations.

• Shojitsu Kenri Kataichi-ryu (Battojutsu) - This school of battojutsu, or the art of drawing and cutting, is characterized by its focus on fast and precise sword techniques. It is ideal for countering sudden attacks, as it allows the practitioner to draw and strike in a single continuous movement, seeking maximum efficiency in combat.

• Shinto Muso-ryu (Jojutsu) - This is the traditional school of jojutsu, the use of the short staff or jo Shinto Muso-ryu was developed by Muso Gonnosuke, who defeated Miyamoto Musashi using this technique. Jo allows great versatility to block, attack and disarm the opponent in an agile and fast manner.

• Sekiguchi Shinshin-ryu (Jujutsu) - Founded in the 17th century, this school of jujutsu combines hand-to-hand combat techniques with a focus on balance and fluidity of movement. The school emphasizes physical and emotional control of the opponent, and specializes in adaptive methods of defense and attack in close combat.

• Negishi-ryu (Shurikenjutsu) - Negishi-ryu is one of the few schools dedicated to shurikenjutsu, the art of throwing stars or darts. This technique is not only based on precision, but also on speed of action and the ability to throw effectively in combat situations where distance needs to be maintained.

• Hozoin-ryu Takada-ha (Sojutsu) - Hozoin-ryu Takada-ha focuses on sojutsu, the use of the spear. Founded by Hozoin Kakuzenbo, this style is known for its spear technique. cross spear , which allows for effective defense while maintaining control of the opponent.

These and other schools affiliated with the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai represent the diversity and richness of kobudo, and each brings its unique style and approach to the organization.

The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai represents a link between contemporary Japan and its martial heritage. The preservation of kobudo not only ensures that these fighting techniques endure, but also allows today's practitioners to experience the values ​​and principles that guided warriors of bygone eras. The organization strives to keep the essence of ancient martial arts alive, showing the world the discipline and beauty of traditional Japanese techniques.

Thanks to the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai and other dedicated institutions, kobudo has gained worldwide popularity. Today, students of all nationalities and ages can learn techniques and principles that date back centuries, keeping alive a rich tradition and participating in the transmission of the teachings of the ancient masters. In addition, kobudo has become a tool for self-discovery and personal development, offering practitioners a means of mental, spiritual and physical growth.

The Nihon Kobudo Kyokai remains a cornerstone in the preservation and dissemination of traditional Japanese martial arts. Through its work in Japan and abroad, the association ensures that the techniques, principles and values ​​of the ancient schools of kobudo are passed on to the next generation. As a symbol of Japan's cultural and martial heritage, the Nihon Kobudo Kyokai not only protects the fighting techniques, but also inspires today's practitioners to live up to the values ​​of honor, respect and perseverance that characterize kobudo.